Saturday, 8 March 2014

I'm not going to lie. Standing in line for four and a half hours wasn't the most practical - or even the most comfortable - of situations. I knew entry to Newcastle's first Film and Comic Con at the Metro Radio Arena wasn't going to be instant with an 11:30am arrival, but I certainly didn't expect to have to huddle in a crawling queue until 4pm! Nevertheless, I can honestly say that it was thoroughly worth the wait.

Though I wasn't particularly concerned about meeting anybody in particular at this convention, the atmosphere itself is wonderful. So many like-minded fans all together to experience fandoms brought to life.

(Plus, there were lots of stalls. I bought three - three! - Bonham Carter-Burton postcards!)

My highlights are undoubtedly seeing two Doctors: Sylvester McCoy and Paul McGann. We arrived too late into the venue to have any chance of sitting down for their talks, but being in the same general area as them was truly wonderful

It's not the most comfortable of events thanks to the excessive queueing - a larger venue is definitely in order if it's continued next year to allow for an extended capacity - but in all it was definitely worth the wait. I now have a hunger for the larger conventions. Where will I end up next? London? Cardiff? San Diego?

Saturday, 1 March 2014

When you're short of a TARDIS and in need of a trip to the past, there's only one place to go:

Beamish.
Having not visited the open-air museum since I was a child, it seemed like a good idea to take a trip there again. Somehow, it's even more wonderful to visit as an adult.

Beamish focuses primarily on the Georgian, Victorian, and Edwardian eras. Whether you're interested in the Home Farm, or are salivating to take a trip to the village sweet shop, there's something there for everyone.

You can watch highlights from my visit here:

Personal favourites included the village, the school, and the Georgian manor house. All of the areas are connected together by trams and old-fashioned buses, so if you don't fancy walking right round the museum there's frequent easy access by transport.

Click here to go to the Beamish website, where you will find opening times and locations, as well as lots more information. In an attempt to whet your appetite, I've included a few photos below too.

And the best part? Your ticket doesn't just allow you entry on the day; it's a year-long pass! I can't wait to visit again in the summer, but for now I shall enjoy the memories of today's adventure...